Disk unit with rollers

ABSTRACT

A supplementary roller is disposed on the end of a disk guiding section  71  so that the outer face  72   c  of the cylindrical shaped section  72   b  of the supplementary roller is placed on the conveying roller  73  side by the protruding section  71   a  formed on disk guiding section  71.

This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of POTInternational Application No. PCT/JP98/02776 which has an Internationalfiling date of Jun. 22, 1998, which designated the United States ofAmerica.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disk device comprising a conveyingunit for conveying a disk inserted into the chassis from a diskinsertion aperture to a playing unit, conveying the disk which has beenconveyed by the conveying unit from the playing unit to the diskinsertion aperture and expelling the disk to the outside of the chassis.

BACKGROUND ART

Firstly a disk device mounted in an automobile will be outlined. FIG. 1is a schematic diagram showing a disk device for use in an automobile.In FIG. 1, 1 is a disk device, 2 is a chassis disposed in the interiorof the automobile, 3 is a playing unit for rotating the disk D andreading information recorded on the disk D, 4 is a conveying unit whichconveys a disk D inserted into the inner part of the chassis from thedisk insertion aperture formed in the chassis to the playing unit 3,which then conveys a disk D which has been once conveyed to the playingunit 3 from the playing unit 3 to the disk insertion aperture and whichexpels the disk to the outside of the chassis 2. 5 is a flexible membersuch as an oil damper which prevents the transmission of automobilevibrations to the playing unit when the disk D is being played. Theflexible member is provided between the lower face of the chassis 2 andthe playing unit 3.

In the playing unit 3, 11 is a playing unit base storing the motor whichdisplaces the motor or pickup which rotates the turntable. 11 a is arotation shaft of a pressure arm and is provided in the playing unitbase 11. 12 is a turntable on which the disk D is mounted and whichrotates the disk D. The turntable 12 is provided in the playing unitbase 11. 13 is a pressure arm which rotates in the direction a-b aboutthe rotation shaft 11 a provided in the playing unit base 11. 14 is adisk gripping body which grips the disk D on the turntable 12 byrotating the pressure arm 13 towards the turntable side 12. The diskgripping body 14 is mounted on the pressure arm 13. 15 is a pickup whichreads the information recorded on the disk D and which is provided onthe playing unit base 11.

In the conveying unit 4, 21 is a disk guiding section which is fixedonto the upper plate of the chassis, 22 is a conveying roller whichgrips, with the guiding section, a disk D which is inserted into theinterior of the chassis 2 from the disk insertion aperture. Theconveying roller 22 then conveys the disk D to the playing unit 3 byrotating it in that state, grips the disk D which has been conveyed tothe playing unit 3 with the disk guiding section 21, conveys the disk Dto the insertion aperture by rotating it in that state and expels thedisk D outside the chassis 2.

In FIG. 1, the cam plate is not shown. However it will be brieflyexplained as follows. The cam plate displaces the conveying rollerprovided on the conveying unit and the pressure arm provided on theplaying unit and fixes and releases the playing unit 3 by slidingdisplacement in the direction of disk insertion and disk expulsion.

Next the operation of the invention will be explained.

At Time of Disk Insertion

When a disk D is inserted into the interior of the chassis 2 from thedisk insertion aperture, the disk D is tightly held by the disk guidingsection 21 and the conveying roller 22. The disk D is conveyed to theplaying unit by the rotations of the conveying roller 22. The disk Dwhich has been conveyed to playing unit 3 is tightly held by theturntable 12 and the disk gripping body 14 due to the pressure armrotating towards the turntable side 12 and so is mounted on theturntable 12. At this time the playing unit base 11 which had been fixedby the cam plate is released. The playing unit base 11 is supported bythe flexible member 5, the information recorded in the disk D is readand in other words the disk D is placed in a playable state.

At Time of Disk Playing

When the disk is mounted on the turntable 12, is in a stationaryposition and the playing of the disk D commences, the disk D is rotatedby the rotations of the turntable 12. The information contained in thedisk D is read by the pickup 15. At this time, the vibrations of theautomobile are absorbed by the flexible member 5 which prevents thosevibrations from being transmitted to the playing unit 3.

At Time of Disk Expulsion

When the playing of the disk is finished, the disk D is held by theturntable 12 and the disk gripping body 14. When the disk D is in astationary position and disk D expulsion commences, the pressure plate13 rotates in the direction of separation from the turntable 12. As aresult of these rotations, the disk D is lifted from the turntable 12and held by the disk guiding section 21 and the conveying roller 22. Thedisk D is conveyed to the disk insertion aperture by the rotations ofthe conveying roller 22 and expelled to the outside of the chassis 2. Atthis time, the playing unit base 11 is fixed by the cam plate.

The disk device for use in an automobile has been explained in a simpleway up until this point. Hereafter the constituent elements of theconventional disk device for use in an automobile will be explained indetail.

FIG. 2 is a figure showing the playing unit of a conventional diskdevice. FIG. 2 shows the playing unit as seen along the direction X ofFIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the initiation of disk insertion for a 12 cm disk.In FIG. 2, the 12 cm disk D is shown by the broken lines. FIG. 3 shows adisk stopper in a conventional disk device. FIG. 3 is a cross sectionalview along the line I—I of FIG. 2. In FIGS. 2 and 3, 141 is a playingunit for reading the information recorded on the disk D. 143 is aflexible member such as an oil damper which prevents the transmission ofautomobile vibrations to the playing unit while the disk D is beingplayed. 144 a-144 c are first to third positional determination shaftsprovided in the playing unit 141.

151 is a playing unit base which stores the motor or the like whichdisplaces the pickup or the motor which rotates the turntable. 151 d isa rotation shaft of the pressure arm and is provided on the playing unitbase 151. 154 is a pressure arm which rotates about the rotation shaft151 d provided in the playing unit base 151. 155 is a disk gripping bodywhich tightly holds the disk D on the turntable by rotating the pressurearm 154 to the turntable side and is mounted on the pressure arm 154.

161 is a disk stopper which is pushed by the disk D inserted in theinterior of the chassis and displaces in direction B (the direction ofdisk insertion). 162 is a lever stopper which moves together with thedisplacement of the disk stopper 161 and rotates. The lever stopper 162is provided on the upper surface of the pressure arm 154. 163 is a slidelock which rotates together with the rotations of the lever stopper 162,and which, when the disk D is not inserted in to the interior of thechassis, determines the position of the disk stopper 161 and which, whenit rotates together with the rotations of the lever stopper 162,slidingly displaces the operational lever, discussed below, in directionA (the direction of disk expulsion). The side lock 163 is provided onthe lower surface of the pressure arm 154. 165 is a support member formounting the gripping body 155 on the pressure arm 154. 166 is a firstspring connected to the lever stopper 162 and the slide lock 163. 167 isa second spring connected to the pressure arm 154 and the slide lock163.

In the disk stopper 161, 161 a is an abutting section onto which thedisk inserted in the interior of the chassis abuts. 161 b is an engagingmember which engages with the guide hole formed in the pressure arm 154.161 c is an engaging pin which engages in the engaging hole formed inthe lever stopper 162.

In the lever stopper 162, 162 a is a rotation shaft of the lever stopper162. 162 b is a connecting section to which the first spring 166 isconnected. 162 c is an engaging hole with which the engaging pin 161 cwhich is provided in the disk stopper 161 engages. 162 d is a regulatinghole which supports the regulating pin provided in the slide lock 163.162 e is a first regulating section forming the regulating hole 162 d.162 f is a second regulating section forming the regulating hole 162 d.

In the slide lock 163, 163 a is a pressured section pressured by thefront arm. 163 b is a pressuring section which pressures the operationalarm discussed hereafter. 163 c is a regulating pin which is supported bythe regulating hole 162 d which is formed in the lever stopper 162. 163d is a connecting section which is connected to the first spring 166.163 e is a connecting section which is connected to the second spring167. 163 f is a slide hole which supports the rotation shaft 162 a ofthe lever stopper 162.

In the pressure arm 154, 154 a is a connecting section to which isconnected the second spring 167. 154 b is a guide hole which engageswith the engaging section 161 b provided on the disk stopper 162 andwhich pierces the guide hole 154 b which guides the disk stopper 161which is pressured by the disk D inserted into the interior of thechassis. The guide hole is formed along the conveying direction of thedisk D in approximately the central section of the pressure arm 154. 154c is an engaging section insertion hole formed to engage the engagingsection 161 b provided on the disk stopper 161 with the guide hole 154b. 154 d is a through hole formed to support the regulating pin 163 cprovided in the slide lock 163 with the regulating hole 162 d formed inthe lever stopper 162.

In the support member 165, 165 a is a support section which supports thedisk gripping body 155 while pressuring the upper center projection 155a of the disk gripping body 155. 165 b is a covering section whichcovers the engaging section insertion hole 154 c formed in the pressurearm 154.

In the conventional disk device, when the disk D is not inserted in thechassis interior, the position of the operational lever is fixed. As aresult, the position of the slide lock 163 is determined. The positionof the lever stopper 162 is determined due to the fact that theregulating pin 163 c provided on the slide lock 163 is positioned on thefirst regulating section 162 e which forms the regulating hole 162 dwhich is formed in the lever stopper 162. Hence the position of the diskstopper 161 is determined. In the conventional disk device, when thedisk D is not inserted in the interior of the chassis, the engagingsection 161 b provided in the disk stopper 161 is adapted so as not toabut with the support member 165.

FIG. 4 shows a conveying unit in a conventional disk device. FIG. 4shows the conveying unit as seen from the direction Y in FIG. 1. FIG. 4displays the situation when a 12 cm disk is being conveyed. In FIG. 4,the 12 cm disk is shown by the broken line. FIG. 5 shows the diskguiding section in a conventional disk device. FIG. 5 shows a diskguiding as seen from direction Z in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 4 and 5, 132 is achassis disposed in the interior of an automobile and 133 is a diskinsertion aperture formed in the front plate of the chassis 132.

171 is a disk guiding section fixed to the upper plate of the chassis132. 173 is a conveying roller which conveys the disk D which has beeninserted into the interior of the chassis 132 from the disk insertionaperture 133 to the playing unit by holding the disk against the diskguiding section 171 and rotating it in that state. It then holds thedisk which has already been conveyed to the playing unit against thedisk guiding section and rotates it in that state, conveys the disk tothe disk insertion aperture 133 and expels the disk to the outside ofthe chassis 132. 174 is a conveying unit base.

In the disk guiding section 171, 171 a is a protruding section whichprojects from the central section towards the periphery and approachesthe conveying roller 173. The protruding section 171 a is formedvertical to the direction in which the disk is being conveyed.

In the conveying roller 173, 173 a is a shaft of the conveying roller173 which is inserted into a round hole formed in the conveying unitbase 74 so as to face the vertical direction to the direction in whichthe disk is conveyed. 173 b is a rubber roller into which the shaft 173a of the conveying roller is loosely inserted and which increases inradius towards the end from the central section.

In this conventional disk device, when a disk D is conveyed, it istightly held by the protruding section 171 a formed on the disk guidingsection 171 and the conveying roller 173.

FIG. 6 shows the camplate and related parts in the conventional diskdevice. FIG. 6(A) shows the camplate and related parts as seen fromdirection X in FIG. 1. FIG. 6(B) shows the cam plate and related partsas seen from direction P of FIG. 6(A). FIG. 6(C) is an enlarged view ofthe section Q encircled by the broken line in FIG. 6(B). FIG. 6 showsthe disk in the early stages of being conveyed. FIG. 6 represents theright side plate of the chassis as being encircled by the wavy line b.In FIG. 6, 178 is a set of reduction gears which transmit the rotationsof the motor to the conveying roller 173 in order to rotate theconveying roller and which is provided on the chassis 132.

181 is a camplate which slidingly displaces in the direction A-B andwhich, when it slidingly displaces in direction B, displaces thepressure arm in the direction in which the disk is not tightly held bythe turntable and the disk gripping means. Then the cam plate displacesthe conveying roller 173 in the direction in which the disk is heldtightly by the disk guiding section and the conveying roller 173. Whenit slidingly displaces in direction A, it displaces the pressure arm inthe direction in which the disk is held tightly by the turntable and thedisk gripping body. The camplate displaces the conveying roller 173 inthe direction in which the disk is not held tightly by the disk guidingsection and the conveying roller 173. The camplate is provided betweenthe right side plate of the chassis 132 and the playing unit. 182 is anoperational lever which slidingly displaces in the direction A-B alongthe guide groove formed in the chassis 132. The camplate 181 isslidingly displaced in the direction A-B as a result of thatdisplacement. The operational lever is provided on the camplate 181. 183is a first linking member for securing the playing unit when thecamplate 181 slidingly displaces and which is provided between thechassis 132 and the camplate 181. 184 is a fourth spring which connectsthe chassis 132 and the operational lever 182.

In the camplate 181, 181 a is a slot which engages with a key shapedhook which is formed on the right side plate of the chassis 132 andwhich guides the camplate 181. 181 b is a Z shaped hole which supportsthe displacement shaft 174 c provided in the conveying unit base 174 andwhich guides the displacement shaft 174 c together with the slidingdisplacement of the camplate 181. 181 c is a horizontal hole whichsupports the first positional determination shaft 144 a provided in theplaying unit and guides the first positional determination shaft 144 atogether with the sliding displacement of the camplate 181. 181 d is ahorizontal groove which supports the second positional determinationshaft 144 b provided in the playing unit and which guides the secondpositional determination shaft 144 b together with the slidingdisplacement of the camplate 181. 181 e is a release hole which releasesthe support of the first positional determination shaft 144 a due to thehorizontal hole. 181 f is a release groove which releases the support ofthe second positional determination shaft 144 b due to the horizontalgroove 181 d. 181 g is a rotation shaft of the first linking member 183inserted into the round hole provided on the first linking member 183.181 h is an inclining section which abuts with the right side bentsection 154 e provided on the pressure arm 154 (refer to FIG. 2) andwhich slopes downwardly from direction A to direction B. 181 i is anindented section formed on the top of the camplate 181. 181 j is athrough hole into which the reduction gears are arranged.

In the operational lever 182, 182 a is a protruding section which isdisposed in the indented section which is formed in the camplate 181 andwhich slidingly displaces the camplate 181 in the direction A-B togetherwith the sliding displacement of the operational lever 182 by pushingthe indenting section 181 i. 182 b is a rack which displaces theoperational lever 182 by engaging with the gears of the reduction gears178.

In the first linking member 183, 183 a is a displacement shaft which issupported by the Z shaped hole formed in the right side plate of thechassis 132. 183 b is a round hole into which the rotation shaft 181 gof the first linking member 183 provided on the camplate 181 isinserted. 183 c is a gripping member which grips the first positionaldetermination shaft 144 a which is provided in the playing unit when thecamplate slidingly displaces in direction B.

In the right side plate of the chassis 132, 132 d is a Z shaped holewhich supports the displacement shaft 183 a provided in the firstlinking member 183 and which guides the displacement shaft 183 atogether with the sliding displacement of the camplate 181. 188 is afirst abutting section with which the indented section 181 i formed inthe camplate 181 and the protruding section 182 a formed in theoperational lever 182 abut when the operational lever 182 slidinglydisplaces in direction A. 189 is a second abutting section with whichthe indented section 181 i formed in the camplate 181 and the protrudingsection 182 a formed in the operational lever 182 abut when theoperational lever 182 slidingly displaces in direction B.

In this disk device, the pressure arm rises and the disk is lifted fromthe turntable due to the fact that the bent section 154 e on the rightside face, which is provided on the pressure arm 154 rises along theinclined section 181 h provided on the camplate 181, rises when thecamplate 181 slidingly displaces in direction B. On the other hand, thepressure arm 154 lowers and the disk is mounted on the turntable due tothe fact that bent section 154 on the right side lowers along theinclination of the inclined section 181 h when the cam plate 181slidingly displaces in direction A.

In this conventional disk device, when a disk is inserted, theoperational lever 182 displaces in direction A and the rack 182 b whichis formed on the operational lever 182 engages with the gears of thereduction gears 178. Due to the motive force of the reduction gears, theoperational lever 182 is slidingly displaced in direction A. Theprotruding section 182 a formed on the operational lever 182 abuts withthe indented section 181 i formed on the camplate 181 in the firstabutting section 187 and pressures the indented section 181 i. As aresult, the camplate 181 slidingly displaces in direction A togetherwith the sliding displacement of the operational lever 182.

Furthermore in this conventional disk device, when the disk is expelled,the reduction gears 178 rotate in the inverse direction and theoperational lever 182 slidingly displaces in direction B. The protrudingsection 182 a formed on the operational lever 182 abuts with theindented section 181 i formed on the camshaft 181 in the second abuttingsection 188 and pressures the indented section 181 i. As a result, thecamplate 181 slidingly displaces in direction B together with thesliding displacement of the operational lever 182. Due to the motiveforce of the reduction gears 178, the operational lever 182 slidinglydisplaces in direction B. The rack 182 b formed on the operational lever182 disengages from the reduction gears 178. Hence after the rack 182 bformed on the operational lever 182 disengages from the reduction gears178, the operational lever 182 is returned to its original position dueto being pulled by the force of the fourth spring 184 in direction B. Atthis time, the protruding section 182 a formed on the operational lever182 pressures the indented section 181 i formed on the camplate 181 andthe camplate 181 too is returned to the original position.

FIG. 7 shows the playing unit base in a conventional disk device. FIG.7(A) shows the playing unit base as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.FIG. 7(B) shows the playing unit base as seen from direction P in FIG.7(A). FIG. 7 shows a 12 cm disk being raised from the turntable. In FIG.7, the 12 cm disk is shown by the broken line. In FIG. 7, 151 a is aninner lateral face which is a face opposite the disk insertion side ofthe playing unit base 151. 152 is a turntable on which a disk isdisposed, which rotates the disk and which is provided on the playingunit base 151.

Since the conventional disk device is constructed as above, when thedisk is conveyed, the disk is tightly held by the conveying roller andthe protruding section formed on the disk guiding section. As a result,when the disk is conveyed, a large force is acting on the disk in thedirection opposite to that in which the disk is being conveyed. Hencethe problem arises that insertion or expulsion of disks becomesimpossible.

The present invention is proposed to solve the above problems. It hasthe object of providing a disk device which can prevent theinconvenience of the insertion or expulsion of disks becoming impossibledue to a large force acting on the disk in the direction opposite tothat in which the disk is being conveyed when the disk is beingconveyed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The disk device of the present invention comprises a conveying unitwhich is provided with a supplementary roller provided with a rotationshaft and a rotation section. The rotation shaft is mounted on the diskguiding section so as to vertically face the direction in which the diskis being conveyed. The outer face of the rotation section is disposed onthe end of the disk guiding section so as to be positioned on theconveying roller side by the protruding section formed on the diskguiding section.

In this way, when a disk is conveyed, since the force acting in theopposite direction to that in which the disk is being conveyed isreduced, it is possible to convey the disk smoothly and ensure theinsertion and expulsion of disks. The disk device of the presentinvention has a disk guiding section which is provided with a bladespring section which pressures the rotation shaft of the supplementaryroller in the axial direction.

In this way, the supplementary roller does not wobble and the generationof unwanted sounds can be prevented.

The disk device of the present invention has a supplementary rollerwhich is disposed so that it approaches the conveying roller as theouter face of the rotation section goes from the center to the end.

In this way, when a disk is conveyed, damage to the information recordedon the disk surface is prevented as only the outer peripheral edge ofthe disk contacts with the supplementary roller.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a disk device for use in anautomobile.

FIG. 2 shows a playing unit in a conventional disk device.

FIG. 3 shows a disk stopper in a conventional disk device.

FIG. 4 shows a conveying unit in a conventional disk device.

FIG. 5 shows a disk guiding device in a conventional disk device.

FIG. 6 shows the camplate and related parts in a conventional diskdevice. (A) shows the structure as seen along direction X in FIG. 1, (B)shows the structure as seen along direction P in (A), (C) shows anenlargement of section Q encircled by a broken line in (B).

FIG. 7 shows a playing unit base in a conventional disk device. (A)shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1, (B) shows thestructure as seen from direction P in (A).

FIG. 8 is an inclined view which shows the outer view of a disk deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows the internal structure of the chassis of a disk deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a playing unit of a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. (A) shows the structure as seenfrom direction Z in FIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen fromdirection P in (A).

FIG. 11 shows a playing unit and a conveying unit conveying a 8 cm diskin a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.(B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in (A).

FIG. 12 shows a playing unit and a conveying unit playing an 8 cm diskin a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.(B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 11(A).

FIG. 13 shows a playing unit and a conveying unit conveying a 12 cm diskin a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.(B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 11(A).

FIG. 14 shows a playing unit and a conveying unit playing a 12 cm diskin a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.(B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 11(A).

FIG. 15 shows a disk stopper in a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a conveying unit in a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. (A) shows the structure as seenfrom direction Y in FIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen fromdirection P in (A).

FIG. 17 shows a playing unit and a disk guide section and asupplementary roller according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction Z in FIG. 1.(B) shows the enlarged structure of section P encircled by a broken linein (A). (C) shows the enlarged structure of section Q from direction Rencircled by a broken line in (A).

FIG. 18 shows a playing unit base according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. (A) shows the playing unit base structure as seenfrom direction X in FIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen fromdirection P in (A). (C) shows the structure as seen from direction Q in(A). (D) shows the structure as seen from direction R in (A).

FIG. 19 shows a conveying unit and a set of reduction gears in a diskdevice according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A)shows the structure when a disk is being conveyed. (B) shows thestructure when a disk is being played.

FIG. 20 shows a camplate and related parts in the first step ofconveying a disk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X inFIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in (A). (C)shows the enlarged structure of section Q encircled by a broken line in(A).

FIG. 21 shows a camplate and related parts in the second step ofconveying a disk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 shows a camplate and related parts when playing a disk in a diskdevice according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 shows a camplate and related parts in the first step ofconveying a disk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X inFIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 20(A).

FIG. 24 shows a camplate and related parts in the second step ofconveying a disk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X inFIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 20(A).

FIG. 25 shows a camplate and related parts when playing a disk in a diskdevice according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A)shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1. (B) shows thestructure as seen from direction P m FIG. 20(A).

FIG. 26 shows a camplate in a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention

FIG. 27 shows a lock plate and related parts when conveying a disk in adisk device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.(A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1. (B) showsthe structure as seen from direction P in (A).

FIG. 28 shows a lock plate and related parts when playing a disk in adisk device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 shows a playing unit base in a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. (A) shows the structure as seenfrom direction X in FIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen fromdirection P in (A).

FIG. 30 shows a disk guide section and supplementary roller in a diskdevice according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In order to explain the invention in more detail, the preferredembodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference tothe accompanying figures.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the outer surface of a disk deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 showsthe device in the state before the insertion of a disk or after theexpulsion of a disk. In FIG. 8, 31 is a disk device, 32 is a chassiswhich is disposed in the interior of an automobile and 33 is a diskinsertion aperture formed in the front plate of the chassis 32. In theinterior of the chassis components such as the cam plate, conveyingunit, playing unit, which will be explained later, are disposed.

FIG. 9 shows the interior of the chassis of a disk device according to afirst embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the interior ofthe chassis of a disk device seen from direction X of FIG. 1. FIG. 9shows the initiation of insertion of a 12 cm disk. In FIG. 9, the 12 cmdisk is shown by a broken line. In FIG. 9, 41 is a playing unit forreading the information recorded on the disk D. 42 is a conveying unitwhich conveys the disk which is inserted into the interior of thechassis 32 from the disk insertion aperture, to the playing unit 41.Then the conveying unit conveys the disk D which has been conveyed tothe playing unit 41 to the disk insertion aperture and expels the diskto the outside of the chassis 32. 43 is a flexible member such as a oildamper which prevents the transmission of automobile vibrations to theplaying unit while the disk is being played. The flexible member isdisposed between the lower plate of the chassis 32 and the playing unit41. 44 a-44 c are first to third positional determination shaftsprovided in the playing unit 41. 45 is a camplate which fixes theplaying unit by fixing the first and second determination shafts andreleases the playing unit 41 by releasing the first and secondpositional determination shafts 44 a, 44 b. The camplate is providedbetween the right plate of the chassis 32 and the playing unit 41. 46 isa lock plate which fixes the playing unit by fixing the third positionaldetermination shaft 44 c and which releases the playing unit 41 byreleasing the fixation of the third positional determination shaft 44 c.The lock plate is disposed between the left plate of the chassis 32 andthe playing unit 41. The playing unit 41 is suspended from the chassis32 by a plurality of springs not shown in the figure.

FIG. 10 shows a playing unit of a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10(A) shows the playing unitas seen from direction Z in FIG. 1. FIG. 10(B) shows the playing unit asseen from direction P in FIG. 10(A). FIG. 10 shows the device beforeinsertion of a disk or after expulsion of a disk. In FIG. 10, 51 is aplaying unit base which stores a motor which displaces a pickup or amotor for rotating a turntable. 51 d is a rotation shaft of a pressurearm and is disposed on the playing unit base 51. 52 is a turntable onwhich is disposed a disk and which rotates the mounted disk. Theturntable is disposed on the playing unit base 51. 53 is a first motorfor rotating the turntable 52. 54 is a pressure arm which rotates aboutthe rotation shaft 51 d disposed on the playing unit base 51. 55 is adisk gripping body which tightly holds the disk against the turntable byrotating the pressure arm towards the turntable 52. The disk grippingbody 55 is mounted on the pressure arm 54. 56 is a pickup which readsthe information recorded on the disk and which is mounted on the playingunit base 51. 57 a is a guiding groove which supports the pickup 56. 57b is a guide shaft which supports the pickup 56. 58 is a second motorwhich displaces the pickup 56. 59 is reducing mechanism which transmitsthe rotations of the second motor 58 to the guide shaft 57 b.

In this disk device, the rotations of the second motor 58 aretransmitted to the guide shaft 57 b through the reducing mechanism 59and the guide shaft 57 b rotates. Hence the pickup 56 is displaced alongthe pair of guides comprised of the guiding groove 57 a and the guideshaft 57 b.

FIGS. 11-14 show the playing unit and the conveying unit of the diskdevice according to the present invention. FIG. 11(A), FIG. 12(A), FIG.13(A) and FIG. 14(A) show the playing unit and the conveying unit asseen from direction X of FIG. 1. FIG. 11(B), FIG. 12(B), FIG. 13(B) andFIG. 14(B) show the playing unit and the conveying unit as seen fromdirection P of FIG. 11(A). FIG. 11 shows the conveying of a 8 cm disk.FIG. 12 shows the playing of a 8 cm disk. FIG. 13 shows the conveying ofa 12 cm disk. FIG. 14 shows the playing of a 12 cm disk. In FIGS. 11 and12, the 8 cm disk is shown by a broken line. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the 12cm disk is shown by a broken line. FIG. 15 shows a disk stopper of adisk device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 15 is a cross section along line II—II in FIG. 11(A). In FIGS.11-15, 61 is a disk stopper which pressures the disk D inserted into theinterior of the chassis 32 and which displaces in direction B (directionof disk insertion). 62 is a lever stopper which rotates together withthe displacement of the disk stopper 61. The lever stopper is disposedon the upper face of the pressure arm 54. 63 is a slide lock whichrotates together with the rotations of the lever stopper 62 and, when adisk D is not inserted into the interior of the chassis 32, determinesthe position of the disk stopper 62. When the slide lock 63 rotatestogether with the rotations of the lever stopper 62, it slidinglydisplaces the operational lever 82, which will be explained hereafter,in direction A (the direction of disk expulsion). The slide lock 63 isdisposed on the lower side of the pressure arm 54. 64 is a front armwhich rotates on being pushed by the 12 cm disk D which is inserted intothe interior of the chassis 32 and which displaces the slide lock 63 sothat the regulation of the lever stopper 62 due to the slide lock 63 isreleased. 65 is a support member for mounting the disk gripping body 55on the pressure arm 54. 66 is a first spring (flexible member) which isconnected to the lever stopper 62 and the slide lock 63. 67 is a secondspring which is connected to the pressure arm 54 and the slide lock 63.

In the disk stopper 61, 61 a is an abutting section which abuts with adisk D which has been inserted into the interior of the chassis. 61 b isan engaging section which engages with the guide hole which is formed onthe pressure arm 54. 61 c is an engaging pin which engages with theengaging hole formed on the lever stopper 62.

In the lever stopper 62, 62 a is a rotation shaft of the lever stopper62. 62 b is a connecting section connecting with the first spring 66. 62c is an engaging hole which engages with the engaging pin 61 c which isprovided on the disk stopper 61. 62 d is a regulating hole whichsupports the regulating pin provided on the slide lock 63. 62 e is afirst regulating section constituting the regulating hole 62 d. 62 f isa second regulating section constituting the regulating hole 62 d.

In the slide lock 63, 63 a is a pressed section which is pressured bythe front arm 64. 63 b is a pressing section which presses theoperational lever 82 to be explained hereafter. 63 c is a regulating pinwhich is supported by the regulating hole 62 d formed on the leverstopper 62. 66 d is a connecting section to the first spring 66 isconnected. 63 e is a connecting section to which the second spring 67 isconnected. 63 f is a slide hole supporting the rotation shaft 62 a ofthe lever stopper 62.

In the front arm 64, 64 a is an abutting pin with which the 12 cm diskD, which is inserted into the interior of the chassis 32, abuts. 64 b isa pressing section which pushes the lever stopper 62. 64 c is a rotationshaft of the front arm 64.

In the pressure arm 54, 54 a is a connecting section to which the secondspring 67 is connected. 54 b is a guide hole which is pierced by theengaging pin 61 c which is provided on the disk stopper 62, whichengages with the engaging section 61 b provided on the disk stopper 62and which guides the disk stopper 61 which is pressed by the disk whichis inserted into the interior of the chassis 32. The guide hole 54 b isformed along the direction of conveying of the disk D in roughly thecentral section of the pressing arm 54. 54 c is an engaging sectioninsertion hole which is formed in order to engage the engaging section61 b provided on the disk stopper 61 and the guide hole 54 b. 54 d is athrough hole formed in order to support the regulating pin 63 c providedon the slide lock 63 with the regulating hole 62 d formed on the leverstopper 62.

In the supporting member 65, 65 a is a supporting section which supportsthe disk gripping body 55 by pushing the upper central projection of thedisk gripping body 55. 65 b is a covering section 55 a which covers theengaging section insertion hole 54 c which is formed on the pressure arm54.

In this disk device, when a disk D is not inserted into the interior ofthe chassis 32, the position of the operational lever 82 is fixed. As aresult, the position of the slide lock 63 is fixed. The position of thelever stopper 62 and the disk stopper 61 are fixed by the fact thatregulating pin 63 c provided on the slide lock 63 is positioned on thefirst regulating hole 62 e which constitutes the regulating hole 62 dformed on the lever stopper 62. In this disk device, when a disk is notinserted into the chassis 32, the engaging section 61 b provided on thedisk stopper 61 abuts with the supporting member 65. Hence the engagingsection 61 b provided on the disk stopper 61 pushes against thesupporting member 65 as a result of the force of the first spring 66connected to the lever stopper 62 and the slide stopper 61. Due to thisarrangement, when a disk is not inserted into the interior of thechassis 32, the disk stopper 61 does not wobble and the generation ofunwanted noises is avoided.

In this disk device, the engaging section insertion hole 54 c formed onthe pressure arm 54 is covered by the covering section 65 b of thesupporting member 65. Due to this arrangement, it is possible to preventthe engaging section 61 b provided in the disk stopper 61 from detachingfrom the engaging section insertion hole 54 c formed in the pressure arm54 and the disk stopper 61 from falling out.

Furthermore in this disk device, when a disk D is inserted into thechassis 32, the disk D abuts with the abutting section 61 a of the diskstopper 61 and the disk stopper 61 displaces in direction B on beingpushed by the disk D. Together with the displacement of the disk stopper61, the lever stopper 62 rotates. As a result of the rotation of thelever stopper 62, the slide lock 63 rotates. Hence the operational lever82 slidingly displaces in direction A on being pushed by the pressurearm 63 b of the slide lock 63.

When a 12 cm disk D is inserted into the chassis 32, the 12 cm disk Dabuts with the abutting pin 64 a provided in the front arm 64 and thefront arm rotates being pushed by the 12 cm disk D. The slide lock 63displaces on being pushed by the pressing section 64 b of the front arm64. The regulating pin 63 c which is positioned on the first regulatingsection 62 e detaches from the first regulating section 62 e. Hence in astate when the regulating pin 63 c is detached from the first regulatingsection 62 c, when the disk stopper 61 displaces in direction B on beingpushed by the 12 cm disk D, the lever stopper 62 rotates together withthe displacement of the disk stopper 61. Further when the disk stopper61 displaces in direction B, the front arm 64 is returned to theoriginal position and the regulating pin 63 c enters the secondregulating section 62 e. When the disk stopper 61 displaces in directionB, the lever stopper 62 rotates together with the displacement of thedisk stopper 61. The slide lock 63 rotates together with the rotationsof the lever stopper 62. Hence the operational lever 82 displaces indirection A on being pushed by the pressing section 63 b of the slidelock 63.

FIG. 16 shows a conveying unit in a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16(A) shows the conveying unitas seen from direction Y of FIG. 1. FIG. 16(B) shows the conveying unitas seen from direction P of FIG. 16(A). FIG. 16(A) shows the conveyingof a 12 cm disk. FIG. 16(B) shows the disk being played. In FIG. 16(A),the 12 cm disk is shown by a broken line. FIG. 17 shows a disk guidingsection and a supplementary roller in a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17(A) shows the disk guidingsection as seen from direction Z of FIG. 1. FIG. 17(B) shows an enlargedsection P encircled by the broken line in FIG. 17(A). FIG. 17(C) showsan enlarged section Q, as seen from direction R, encircled by the brokenline in FIG. 17(A). In FIGS. 16 and 17, 71 is a disk guiding sectionfixed to the upper plate of the chassis 32. 72 is a supplementary rollerdisposed at the end of the disk guide section 71 so that outercylindrical face is positioned on the conveying roller side by theprotruding section formed on the disk guiding section 71. 73 is aconveying roller which holds the disk inserted into the interior of thechassis 32 from the disk insertion aperture 33 tightly against eitherthe disk guiding section 71 or the supplementary roller 72 and conveysthe disk D to the playing section by rotating it in that state. Then theconveying roller 73 holds the disk D conveyed to the playing sectiontightly against either the disk guide section 71 or the supplementaryroller 72 and conveys it to the disk insertion aperture 33 by rotatingit in that state and expels the disk D to the outside of the chassis 32.74 is a conveying unit base.

In the disk guiding section 71, 71 a is a protruding section which isformed from the central section towards the end so that it nears theconveying roller 73 and is vertical to the direction in which the diskis conveyed.

71 b is a blade spring section which pushes the rotation shaft of thesupplementary roller 72 in the axial direction.

In the supplementary roller 72, 72 a is a rotation shaft of thesupplementary roller 72 which is mounted on the disk guiding section 71so that it is horizontally oriented and vertical with respect to thedirection of conveying the disk. 72 b is a cylindrical section (rotationsection) of the supplementary roller 72. 72 c is the outer face of thecylindrical section 72 b.

In the conveying roller 73, 73 a is a shaft of the conveying roller 73and is inserted into the round hole formed in the conveying unit base74, explained hereafter, so that it is vertically aligned to thedirection of conveying the disks. 73 b is a rubber roller into which theshaft of the conveying roller 73 is loosely inserted and which has anincreasing radius from the central section towards the end.

In this disk device, when a disk is conveyed, the rubber roller 73 b ispressured by the disk D. Thus the rubber roller 73 b closely adheres tothe shaft 73 a and the shaft 73 a and rubber roller 73 b rotateintegrally due to the friction between the shaft 73 a and rubber roller73 b. Furthermore when a force greater than that friction is added tothe disk D in the direction of conveying and in the direction oppositeto conveying, only the shaft 73 a rotates. By such an arrangement, it ispossible to prevent damage by the conveying roller 73 to the recordingface of the 12 cm disk D on the conveying roller side.

Furthermore in this disk device, a supplementary roller 72 is disposedon the end of the disk guiding section 71 so that the cylindricallyshaped section 72 b on the outer surface 72 c of the supplementaryroller 72 is disposed on the side of the conveying roller side 73 by theprotruding section 71 a formed on the disk guiding section 71. As aresult, when a 8 cm disk is conveyed or during the initial or finalconveying of a 12 cm disk, the disk is tightly held between theprotruding section 71 a formed on the disk guiding section 71 and theconveying roller 73. During the conveying of a 12 cm disk, the disk D istightly held between the supplementary roller 72 mounted on the diskguiding section 71 and the conveying roller 73. By such an arrangement,when the 12 cm disk is conveyed, the disk can be conveyed smoothly andit is possible to prevent problems with the insertion or expulsion ofdisks D because the force added to the disk in the direction ofconveying and in the direction opposite to the direction of conveying isreduced.

In this disk device, the rotation shaft 72 a of the supplementary roller72 is mounted on the disk guiding section 71 so as to be horizontal. Asa result, the outer face 72 c of the cylindrical section 72 b of thesupplementary roller 72 is adapted so as to extend to the end of thedisk guiding section 71 and to be proximate to the conveying roller.Furthermore the protruding section 71 a formed on the disk guidingsection 71 has a shape which approaches to the conveying roller 73 tothe end from the center. As a result, when a disk D is conveyed, thedisk D is adapted so that only the outer edge comes into contact withthe protruding section 71 a or the supplementary roller 72 formed on thedisk guiding section 71. Due to this arrangement, the recording surfaceof the disk D is prevented from being damaged by the supplementaryroller 72 and the protruding section 71 a formed on the disk guidingsection 71.

In this disk device, the rotation shaft 72 a of the supplementary roller72 mounted on the disk guiding section 71 is pressured in the axialdirection by the blade spring 71 b formed on the disk guiding section71. By this arrangement, the supplementary roller is stabilized and thegeneration of unwanted sounds is prevented.

FIG. 18 shows a conveying unit base in a disk device according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18(A) shows theconveying unit base as seen from direction X of FIG. 1. FIG. 18(B) showsthe conveying unit base as seen from direction P of FIG. 18(A). FIG.18(C) shows the conveying unit base as seen from direction Q of FIG.18(A). FIG. 18(D) shows the conveying unit base as seen from direction Rof FIG. 18(A). In FIG. 18, 74 a is a round hole into which the shaft 73a of the conveying roller 73 is inserted. 74 b is a rotation shaft ofthe conveying unit base 74 which is inserted into the round hole 32 a(refer to FIG. 16(B)) formed in the chassis 32. 74 c is a displacementshaft supported by the Z shaped holes formed respectively on the lockplate and the cam plate to be explained below. 74 d is a doubleinsertion prevention hook which prevents the insertion of another diskinto the chassis by closing the disk insertion aperture when a disk isinserted into the chassis.

FIG. 19 shows the reduction gears and the conveying unit in the diskdevice according to the fist embodiment of the present invention. FIG.19 shows the reduction gears and the conveying unit as seen from belowFIG. 1. FIG. 19(A) shows a disk being conveyed. FIG. 19(B) shows a diskbeing played. 75 is a first gear press fitted into the shaft 73 a of theconveying roller. 76 is a third motor for rotating the conveying rollerand is provided on the chassis 32. 77 is a second gear press fitted intothe rotation shaft of the third motor 76. 78 are reduction gears whichtransmit the rotations of the third motor 76 to the conveying roller andwhich are provided on the chassis 32. 79 is a third spring connectingthe lower plate of the chassis 32 and the conveying unit base 74.

In this disk device, when a disk is conveyed, the disk is tightly heldby the conveying roller and the disk guiding section or thesupplementary roller due to the force of the third spring 79. At thattime, the first gear 75, which is pressured by the chassis of theconveying roller, meshes with the reduction gears 78. The rotations ofthe third motor 76 are transmitted to the conveying roller through thesecond gear 77, the reduction gears 78 and the first gear 75 and hencethe conveying roller rotates.

In this disk device, when a disk is played, the disk is not tightly heldby the conveying roller and the disk guiding section or thesupplementary roller. At that time, the first gear 75 is detached fromthe reduction gears 78. The rotations of the third motor 76 are nottransmitted to the conveying roller.

FIGS. 20-25 show the cam plate and related parts in a disk deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20(A),FIG. 23(A), FIG. 24(A) and FIG. 25(A) show the cam plate and relatedparts as seen from direction X of FIG. 1. FIG. 20(B), FIG. 21, FIG. 22,FIG. 23(B), FIG. 24(B) and FIG. 25(B) show the cam plate and relatedparts as seen from direction P of FIG. 20(A). FIG. 20(C) shows anenlargement of section Q encircled by a broken line in FIG. 20(A). FIGS.20 and 23 show a first step when a disk is conveyed. FIGS. 21 and 24show a second step when a disk is conveyed. FIGS. 22 and 25 show a diskbeing played. FIG. 20(A), FIG. 23(A), FIG. 24(A) and FIG. 25(A) show thesection encircled by the bent line a as a cross section of the hookshaped projection of the cam plate and the hook shaped projection of theoperational lever. FIG. 2(B), FIG. 21(B), FIG. 22(B) show the right sideplate of the chassis encircled by a bent line b. FIG. 23(B), FIG. 24(B),FIG. 25(B) show the right side plate of the chassis as encircled on theright side of the bent line c. FIG. 26 shows the cam plate of the diskdevice according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26shows the cam plate as seen from the direction P of FIG. 20(A). In FIGS.20-26, 81 is a cam plate which is provided between the right side plateof the chassis 32 and the playing unit. The cam plate slidinglydisplaces in the direction A-B. When it displaces in direction B, itdisplaces the pressure arm in the direction in which the turntable andthe disk gripping body do not tightly hold the disk. Furthermore itdisplaces the conveying roller 73 in the direction in which the disk istightly held by the disk guiding section and the conveying roller 73.When it displaces in direction A, it displaces the pressure arm in thedirection in which the disk is tightly held by the turntable and thedisk gripping body and displaces the conveying roller 73 in thedirection in which the disk is not held tightly by the disk guidingsection and the conveying roller 73. 82 is an operational lever which isprovided on the cam plate 81. The operational lever 82 slidinglydisplaces in the direction A-B along the guide groove 32 b (refer toFIG. 8) formed on the chassis 32 and slidingly displaces the cam plate81 in the direction A-B by that motion. 83 is a first linking member forfixing the playing unit when the cam plate slidingly displaces in thedirection B and is provided between the chassis 32 and the operationallever 82. 84 is a fourth spring connecting the chassis 32 and theoperational lever 82.

In the cam plate 81, 81 a is a slot with which the key shaped hookformed on the right side plate of the chassis engages and which guidesthe cam plate 81. 81 b is a Z shaped hole which supports thedisplacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveying unit base 74 and whichguides the displacement shaft 74 c together with the slidingdisplacement of the cam plate 81. 81 c is a horizontal hole whichsupports the first positional determination shaft 44 a provided on theplaying unit and which guides the first positional shaft 44 a togetherwith the sliding displacement of the cam plate 81. 81 d is a horizontalgroove which supports the second positional shaft 44 b provided on theplaying unit and which guides the second positional shaft 44 b togetherwith the sliding displacement of the cam plate 81. 81 e is a releasehole which releases the support of the first positional determinationshaft 44 a due to the horizontal hole 81 c. 81 f is a release groovewhich releases the support of the second positional determination shaft44 b due to the horizontal groove 81 d. 81 g is a rotation shaft of thefirst linking member 83 inserted into the round hole formed on the firstlinking member 83. 81 h is an inclining section which abuts with theright side bent section 54 e provided on the right side of the pressurearm 54 (refer to FIGS. 11-14) and which is formed to decline fromdirection A to B. 81 i is an indented section which is formed on theupper section of the cam plate 81. 81 j is a through hole which ispierced by the reduction gears 78. 81 k is a first hooked projection(first engaging section) connecting the hooked projection formed on theoperational lever 82.

In the operational lever 82, 82 a is a protruding section which isprovided in the indented section 81 i formed on the cam plate 81. Theprotruding section 82 a slidingly displaces the cam plate 81 indirection A together with the sliding displacement of the operationallever 82 by pushing the indented section 81 i. 82 b is a rack whichengages with the reduction gears (gear) 78 and which slidingly displacethe operational lever 82. 82 c is a second hooked projection (secondengaging section) which is connected with the hooked projection 81 kformed on the cam plate 81 and which slidingly displaces the cam plate81 in direction B together with the sliding displacement of theoperational lever 82.

In the first linking member 83, 83 a is a displacement shaft supportedby the Z shaped hole formed on the right side plate of the chassis 32.83 b is a round hole into which is inserted rotation shaft 81 g of thefirst linking member 83 formed on the cam plate 81. 83 c is a grippingsection which grips the first positional determination shaft 44 aprovided on the playing unit when the cam plate 81 slidingly displacesin direction B.

In the right side plate of the chassis 32, 32 c is a key shaped hookwhich engages with the slot 81 a formed on the cam plate 81. 32 d is a Zshaped hole which supports the displacement shaft 83 a provided on thefirst linking member 83 and which guides the displacement shaft 83 atogether with the sliding displacement of the cam plate 81. 32 e is acontrol hook which controls the sliding displacement of the cam plate 81in direction B. 32 f is an aperture (refer to FIG. 8) formed in aposition to connect and detach the hooked projection 81 k formed on thecam plate 81 and the hooked projection 82 c formed on the operationallever 82.

In this disk device, when the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces along thedirection A-B, the displacement shaft 83 a provided on the first linkingmember 82 displaces along the Z shaped hole 32 c formed in the rightside plate of the chassis 32. The first linking member 82 rotates aboutthe rotation shaft 81 g of the first linking member 82 formed on the camplate 81. When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in the direction B,the first positional determination shaft is held by the gripping section83 c of the first linking member 83. The first positional determinationshaft 44 a is fixed in the horizontal hole 81 c and the secondpositional determination shaft 44 b is fixed in the horizontal groove 81d. On the other hand, when the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in thedirection A, the support of the first positional determination shaft 44a due to the horizontal hole 81 c and the support of the secondpositional determination shaft 44 b due to the horizontal groove 81 d isreleased.

In this disk device, when the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in thedirection A-B, the displacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveyingunit base 74 displaces along the Z shaped hole 81 b formed on the camplate 81 and the conveying unit base 74 rotates about the rotation shaft74 b. When the cam plate 81 slidingly rotates in direction B, theconveying roller 74 displaces in the direction in which the disk istightly held by the conveying roller 74 and the disk guiding section.When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction A, the conveyingroller 74 displaces in the direction in which the disk is not tightlyheld by the conveying roller 74 and the disk guiding section.

In this disk device, when the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces indirection B, the pressure arm 54 rises and takes the disk from theturntable due to fact that the right side bent section 54 e, provided onthe pressure arm 54 along the inclined section 81 h provided on the camplate 81, rises. When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in directionA, the pressure arm 54 declines and places a disk on the turntable dueto the right side bent section 54 e being depressed along theinclination of the inclined section 81 h due to the force of the fifthspring 60 (refer to FIG. 10(A)).

In this disk device, when a disk is inserted, the operational lever 82slidingly displaces in direction A and the rack 82 b formed on theoperational lever 82 meshes with the reduction gears 78. Due to themotive force of the reduction gears 78, the operational lever 82 furtherslidingly displaces in direction A and the protruding section 82 aformed on the operational lever 82 abuts with the indented section 81 iformed on the cam plate 81 and then pressures the indented section 81 i.As a result, the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction Atogether with the displacement of the operational lever 82.

In this disk device, when the protruding section 82 a formed on theoperational lever 82 abuts with the indented section 81 i formed on thecam plate 81, the first hooked shaped projection 81 k formed on the camplate 81 and the second hooked shaped projection 82 c formed on theoperational lever 82 are connected.

In this disk device, when a disk is expelled, the reduction gears 78rotate in the inverse direction and the operational lever 82 slidinglydisplaces in the direction B. The second hooked shaped projection 82 cformed on the operational lever 82 pressures the first hooked shapedprojection 81 k formed on the cam plate 81. As a result, the cam plate81 slidingly displaces in direction B together with the slidingdisplacement of the operational lever 82. In addition the operationallever 82 further slidingly displaces in direction B due to the motiveforce of the reduction gears 78. Thus the cam plate 81 which slidinglydisplaces together with the sliding displacement of the operationallever 82 comes in contact with the control hook 32 e formed on the rightside plate of the chassis 32 and returns to its original position. Thenonly the operational lever 82 further displaces in direction B due tothe motive force of the reduction gears 78 and the first hookedprojection 81 k and the second hooked projection 82 c separate. Afterthe first hooked projection 81 k and the second hooked projection 82 cseparate, the operational lever 82 is drawn in direction B by the forceof the fourth spring 84, returns to its original position and pressuresthe slide lock. As a result of this arrangement, when the cam plate 81and the operational lever 82 are returned to their original position,any impediment to the disk being expelled from the chassis 32 isprevented.

In this disk device, the connecting and detaching positions of the firsthooked projection 81 k formed on the cam plate 81 and the second hookedprojection 82 c formed on the operational lever 82 are the same. Thefirst hooked projection 81 k and the second hooked projection 82 c comeinto contact and detach due to the bending of the first hookedprojection 81 k.

In this disk device, an aperture 32 f is formed on the right side plateof the chassis 32 in the connecting and detaching position of the firsthooked projection 81 k formed on the cam plate 81 and the second hookedprojection 82 c formed on the operational lever 82. By this arrangement,it is easy to place the first hooked projection 81 k and the secondhooked projection 82 c in connection and in detachment by bending thefirst hooked projection 81 k.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show the lock plate and related parts in a disk deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27(A)shows the lock plate and related parts as seen from direction X in FIG.1. FIG. 27(B) and FIG. 28 snow the lock plate and related parts as seenfrom direction P in FIG. 27(A). FIG. 27 shows the disk being conveyedand FIG. 28 shows the disk being played. FIG. 27(B) and FIG. 28 snow asection encircled with a bent line from the left side plate of thechassis 32. In FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, 85 is a lock plate which slidinglydisplaces in direction A-B due to the sliding displacement of the camplate 81 in the direction A-B and is provided between the left sideplate of the chassis 32 and the play unit. 86 is a second linking memberfor fixing the play unit when the lock plate 85 slidingly displaces indirection B and is provided between the chassis 32 and the lock plate85.

In the lock plate 85, 85 a is a slot with which the key shaped hook,which is formed on the right side plate of the chassis 32, engages andwhich guides the lock plate 85. 85 b is a Z shaped hole which supportsthe displacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveying unit base 74 andwhich guides the displacement shaft 74 c together with the slidingdisplacement of the lock plate 85. 85 c is a horizontal hole whichsupports the third positional determination shaft 44 c provided on theplaying unit and which guides the third positional determination shaft44 c together with the sliding displacement of the lock plate 85. 85 dis a release hole which releases the support of the third positionaldetermination shaft 44 c due to the horizontal hole 85 c. 85 e is an Lshaped hole which supports the displacement shaft provided on the secondlinking member 86 and which guides the displacement shaft together withthe sliding displacement of the lock plate 85.

In the second linking member 86, 86 a is a rotation shaft which isinserted into the round hole formed on the left side plate of thechassis 32. 86 b is a displacement shaft supported by the L shaped hole85 e formed on the lock plate 85. 86 c is a gripping section which gripsthe third positional determination shaft 44 c provided on the playingunit when the lock plate 85 slidingly displaces in direction B.

In the left side plate of the chassis 32, 32 g is a round hole intowhich is inserted the rotation shaft 86 a provided on the second linkingmember 86.

In this disk device, when the conveying unit base 74 rotates about therotation shaft 74 b due to the cam plate 81 slidingly displacing in thedirection A-B, the displacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveyingunit base 74 displaces along the Z shaped hole 85 b provided in the lockplate 85 and the lock plate 85 slidingly displaces in the direction A-B.

In this disk device, when the lock plate 85 slidingly displaces in thedirection A-B due to the cam plate 81 slidingly displacing in thedirection A-B, the displacement shaft 86 b provided on the secondlinking member 86 displaces along the L shaped hole formed in the lockplate 85 and the second linking member 86 rotates about the rotationshaft 86. Furthermore when the lock plate 85 slidingly displaces in thedirection B due to the cam plate 81 slidingly displacing in thedirection B, the third positional determination shaft 44 c is lightlyheld by the gripping section 86 c of the second linking member 86 andthe third positional determination shaft 44 c is fixed into thehorizontal hole 85 c. On the other hand, when the lock plate 85slidingly displaces in the direction A due to the cam plate 81 slidinglydisplacing in the direction A, the support of the third positionaldetermination shaft 44 c due to the horizontal hole 85 c is released.

FIG. 29 shows a playing unit base in a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29(A) shows the playing unitbase as seen from direction X in FIG. 1. FIG. 29(B) shows the playingunit base as seen from direction P in FIG. 29(A). FIG. 29 shows a 12 cmdisk being raised from the turntable. In FIG. 29, the 12 cm disk D isshown by the broken line. In FIG. 29, 51 a is an inner lateral facewhich is the face on the opposite side to the side of disk insertion ofthe playing unit base 51. 51 b is a notch formed on the inner lateralface 51 a of the playing unit base 51 so that the 12 cm disk D and theplaying unit base 51 are in contact on the outer edge of the 12 cm disk.The notch has a trapezoidal shape when seen from above the playing unitbase 51. 51 c is the ridge of the notch 51 b which is in contact withthe 12 cm disk D and which corresponds with the sloped edge of thetrapezoidal shaped notch 51 b.

In this disk device, on the outer edge of the 12 cm disk D, a notch 51 bis formed by machining the inner lateral face 51 a of the playing unitbase 51 so that the playing unit base 51 and the 12 cm disk D are incontact. By this arrangement, it is possible to prevent damage to therecording surface of the 12 cm disk D due to the fact that only theouter edge of the 12 cm disk D comes into contact with the playing unitbase 51 when the 12 cm disk D is raised from the turntable.

In this disk device, the notch 51 b is formed which has a trapezoidalshape when viewed from above the playing unit base 51. The sloping sideof the trapezoidal shaped notch 51 b adapted as the ridge 51 c of thenotch 51 b which is in contact with the 12 cm disk D. As a result ofthis arrangement, the line of contact of the 12 cm disk D whencontracting the playing unit base 51, and the ridge of the notch 51 bare nearly vertical and hence there are few points of contact of the 12cm disk D and the playing unit base 51.

Next the operation of the invention will be explained.

When the Disk is Inserted.

When a disk D is inserted from the disk insertion aperture 33 into theinterior of the chassis 32, the insertion of the disk D is detected by asensor, the third motor 76 is activated, the rotations of the thirdmotor 76 are transmitted to the conveying roller 73 through the secondgear 77, the reduction gears 78 and the first gear 75. As a result theconveying roller 73 rotates (refer to FIG. 19(A)).

When an 8 cm disk D is inserted from the disk insertion aperture 33 intothe interior of the chassis 32, the 8 m disk D is tightly held by theconveying roller 73 and the protruding section 71 a formed on the diskguiding section 71. The disk is then conveyed to the playing unit 41 bythe rotations of the conveying roller 73.

During the step of conveying, first, the 8 cm disk D abuts with theabutting section 61 a of the disk stopper 61. On being pushed by the 8cm disk, the disk stopper 61 displaces in direction B. The lever stopper62 rotates together with the displacement of the disk stopper 61 and inturn the slide lock 63 rotates together with the rotations of the leverstopper 62. The operational lever 82 slidingly displaces in direction Aon being pushed by the pressure arm 63 b of the slide lock 63 (refer toFIGS. 11 and 12).

When a 12 cm disk D is inserted from the disk insertion aperture 33 intothe interior of the chassis 32, the 12 cm disk D is tightly held duringinitial and final conveying by the conveying roller 73 and theprotruding section 71 a formed on the disk guiding section 71. Duringconveying, the disk is held by the conveying roller 73 and thesupplementary roller 72 mounted on the disk guiding section 71 and isconveyed to the playing unit 41 as a result of the rotations of theconveying roller 73 (refer to FIG. 16). When the 12 cm disk D isconveyed to the playing unit 41, the outer peripheral edge of the 12 cmdisk D comes into contact with the ridge 51 c of the notch 51 b formedon the unit base 51 (refer to FIG. 29). In the step of conveying,firstly the 12 cm disk D abuts with the abutting pin 64 a provided onthe front arm 64. The front arm 64 rotates on being pushed by the 12 cmdisk D. The slide lock 63 displaces when pushed by the pressure section64 of the front arm 64. The regulating pin 63 c which is placed in thefirst regulating section 62 e detaches from the first regulating section62 e. With the regulating pin 63 c in a detached state from the firstregulating section 62 e, the 12 cm disk D abuts with the abuttingsection 61 a of the disk stopper 61. The disk stopper 61 displaces indirection B when pushed by the 12 cm disk D. At this time, the leverstopper 62 rotates together with the displacement of the disk stopper61. When the disk stopper 61 has displaced to a degree in direction B,the front arm 64 returns to the original position and the regulating pin63 c enters the second regulating section 62 f. When the disk stopper 61displaces further in direction B, the lever stopper 62 rotates togetherwith the rotations of the disk stopper 61 and the slide lock 63 rotatesin response to the rotations of the lever stopper 62. Hence theoperational lever 82 slidingly displaces in direction A on being pushedby the pressure arm 63 b of the slide lock 63 (refer to FIGS. 13 and14).

When the operational lever slidingly displaces in direction A, the rack82 b formed on the operational lever 82 meshes with the reduction gears78. The operational lever 82 is pushed further in direction A by themotive force of the reduction gears 78 and the protruding section 82 aformed on the operational lever 82 abuts with the indented section 81 iformed on the cam plate 81. At this time, the first hooked projection 81k formed on the cam plate 81 and the second hooked projection 82 cformed on the operational lever 82 connect. When the operational lever82 slidingly displaces further in direction A, the protruding section 82a formed on the operational lever 82 pushes the indented section 81 iformed on the cam plate 81 and the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces indirection A together with the displacement of the operational lever 82(refer to FIGS. 20-24).

When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces to direction A, thedisplacement shaft 83 a provided on the first linking member 82displaces along the Z shaped hole formed in the right side plate of thechassis 32 and the first linking member 82 rotates about the rotationshaft 81 g of the first linking member 82 provided on the cam plate 81.As a result the support of the first positional determination shaft 44 adue to the horizontal hole 81 c and the support of the second positionaldetermination shaft 44 b due to the horizontal groove 51 d are released(refer to FIGS. 20-22).

When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction A, thedisplacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveying unit base 74 displacesalong the Z shaped hole 81 b formed in the cam plate 81 and theconveying unit base 74 rotates about the rotation shaft 74 b. Theconveying roller 74 displaces in the direction in which the disk D isnot tightly held by the convening roller 74 and the disk guiding section71. At this time, the first gear 75 detaches from the reduction gears 78and the rotations of the third motor 76 are no longer transmitted to theconveying roller 73 (Refer to FIG. 19(B) and FIGS. 20-22). At this timethe displacement shaft 74 c which is provided on the conveying unit base74 displaces along the Z shaped hole 85 b provided in the lock plate 85and the lock plate 85 slidingly displaces in direction A. Thedisplacement shaft 86 b which is provided on the second linking member86 displaces along the L shaped hole 85 e provided in the lock plate 85and the second linking member 86 rotates about the rotation shaft 86 a.Thus the support of the third positional determination section 44 c dueto the horizontal hole 85 c is released (Refer to FIGS. 27 and 28).

When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction A, due to theforce of the fifth spring 60 the pressure arm 54 depresses as a resultof the right side bent section 54 e provided on the pressure arm 54depressing along the slope of the inclination section 81 h provided inthe cam plate 81 (Refer to FIGS. 11-14), and a disk D is tightly held bythe disk gripping body 55 and the turntable 52 and is placed on theturntable 52. At this time, the disk conveying completion switch ispushed by the pressure arm 54 and the third motor 76 is shut down.

When a Disk is played

When the playing of the disk D is initiated with the disk placed in aset position on the turntable 52, the first motor 53 is activated, theturntable 52 is rotated and the disk D is rotated. Furthermore when thesecond motor 58 is activated, the rotations of the second motor 58 aretransmitted to the guide shaft 57 b through the braking mechanism 59 andthe guide shaft 57 b is rotated. The pickup 56 is transferred along theguide which is the combination of the guide groove 57 a and the guideshaft 57 b and the information recorded on the disk D is read.

When the Disk is Expelled

When the playing of the disk is completed and disk expulsion iscommenced with the disk D tightly held in a set position by theturntable 52 and the disk gripping body 55, and the reduction gears 78rotating in the inverse direction. The operational lever 82 slidinglydisplaces in direction B and the second hooked projection 82 c formed onthe operational lever 82 pushes the first hooked projection 81 k formedon the cam plate 81 and the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces indirection B together with the sliding displacement of the operationallever 82. The operational lever 82 further displaces in direction B dueto the motive force of the reduction gears 78. The cam plate whichslidingly displaces together with the sliding displacement of theoperational lever 82 comes into contact with the control hook 32 eformed on the right side plate of the chassis 32 and returns to theoriginal position (Refer to FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG. 24 and FIG. 25).

When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction B, thedisplacement shaft 83 a provided on the first linking member 82displaces along the Z shaped hole 32 c formed in the right side plate ofthe chassis 32 and the first linking member 82 rotates about therotation shaft 81 g of the first linking member 82 provided on the camplate 81. The first positional determination shaft 44 a is held by thegripping section 83 c of the first linking member 83 and is fixed in thehorizontal hole 81 c. The second positional determination shaft 44 b isfixed in the horizontal groove 81 d (refer to FIGS. 21 and 22).

When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction B, thedisplacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveying unit base 74 displacesalong the Z shaped hole 81 b formed in the cam plate 81 and theconveying unit base 74 rotates about the rotation shaft 74 b. Theconveying roller 74 displaces in the direction in which the disk D istightly held by the conveying roller 74 and the disk guiding section 71.At this time, the first gear 75 and the reduction gears 78 mesh and therotations of the third motor 76 are transmitted to the conveying roller73 through the second gear 77, the reduction gears 78 and the first gear75. Hence the conveying roller 73 rotates (refer to FIGS. 19)(A), 21 and22). At this time the displacement shaft 74 c which is provided on theconveying unit base 74 displaces along the Z shaped hole 85 b providedin the lock plate 85 and the lock plate 85 displaces in direction B. Atthis time, the displacement shaft 86 b which is provided on the secondlinking member 86 displaces along the L shaped hole 85 e provided in thelock plate 85 and the second linking member 86 rotates about therotation shaft 86 a. The third positional determination shaft 44 c istightly held by the gripping section 86 c of the second linking member86 and the third positional determination shaft 44 c is fixed in thehorizontal hole 85 c (refer to FIGS. 27 and 28).

When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction B, the pressurearm 54 rises and lifts the disk D from the turntable 52 as the righthand side bent section 54 e provided on the pressure arm 54 rises alongthe incline of the inclined section 81 h provided on the cam plate 81(refer to FIGS. 11-14).

When the cam plate 81 contacts the control hook 32 e formed on the rightside plate of the chassis 32, only the operational lever 82 displaces indirection B due to the motive force of the reduction gears 78. As aresult, the first hooked shaped projection 81 k formed on the cam plate81 and the second hooked shaped projection 82 c formed on theoperational lever 82 separate. Then the operational lever 82 is drawn indirection B by the force of the fourth spring 84 and returns to theinitial position (refer to FIGS. 20 and 23).

When an 8 cm disk D is expelled, the operational lever 82 returns to itsinitial position and the slide lock 62 rotates in the inverse directionto that when a disk is inserted and returns to the initial position.Then the lever stopper 62 rotates inversely together with the rotationsof the slide lock 62, the disk stopper 61 displaces in direction Atogether with the rotations of the lever stopper 62 and returns to itsoriginal position. When the disk stopper 61 displaces in direction A,the 8 cm disk D is tightly held between the protruding section 71 aformed on the disk guiding part 71 and the conveying roller 73. The diskis conveyed to the disk insertion aperture 33 by the rotations of theconveying roller 73 and is expelled to the outside of the chassis 32.Furthermore when the disk stopper 61 displaces in direction A andreturns to the original position, the engaging section 61 b provided onthe disk stopper 61 abuts with the support member 65. The engagingsection 61 b pressures the support member 65 due to the force of thefirst spring 66 connected to the lever stopper 62 and the slide lock 63(refer to FIGS. 11 and 12).

When a 12 cm disk D is expelled and the operational lever 82 returns toits original position, the slide lock 62 rotates in the inversedirection to when a disk is inserted and returns to its originalposition. Then the lever stopper 62 rotates inversely together with therotations of the slide lock 62 and the disk stopper 61 displaces indirection A together with the rotations of the lever stopper 62. Whenthe disk stopper 61 displaces in direction A, at the commencement andcompletion of conveying, the 12 cm disk D is tightly held between theprotruding section 71 a formed on the disk guiding section 71 and theconveying roller 73. While conveying is in progress, it is held tightlybetween the supplementary roller 72 mounted on the disk guiding section71 and the conveying roller 73. The disk is conveyed to the diskinsertion aperture 33 by the rotations of the conveying roller 73 and isexpelled outside the chassis 32 (refer to FIG. 16). When the diskstopper 61 displaces in direction A, firstly the 12 cm disk D abuts withthe abutting pin 64 a provided on the front arm 64, is pushed by the 12cm disk D and the front arm 64 rotates. The slide lock 63 displaces bybeing pushed by the pressing section 64 b of the front arm 64 and theregulating pin 63 c placed on the second regulating section 62 fdetaches from the second regulating section 62 f. While the regulatingpin 63 c is detached from the second regulating section 62 f, the leverstopper 62 rotates in the inverts direction to when a disk is inserteddue to the force of the first spring 66 which is connected to the leverstopper 62 and the slide lock 63. Then the disk stopper 61 displaces indirection A and returns to its original position together with therotations of the lever stopper 62. Further, when the disk stopper 61returns to the original position, the front arm returns to its originalposition and the regulating pin 63 c enters the first regulating section62 e. Further, when the disk stopper 61 returns to its originalposition, the engaging section 61 b provided on the disk stopper 61abuts with the support member 65 and the engaging section 61 b pushesagainst the support member 65 due to the force of the first spring 66which is connected to the lever stopper 62 and the slide lock 63.

As explained above, according to embodiment 1, when a disk is notinserted, since the engaging section 61 b provided on the disk stopper61 is adapted so as to abut with and push against the support member 65,the disk stopper 61 does not wobble and unwanted noises can be preventedwhen a disk is not inserted into the interior of the chassis 32.

Furthermore according to embodiment 1, since the supplementary roller 72is placed on the end of the disk guiding section 71 so that the outerface 72 c of the cylindrical section 72 b of the supplementary roller 72is placed on the conveying roller 73 side by the protruding section 71 aformed on the disk guiding section 71, during conveying of a 12 cm disk,the disk D is tightly held by the supplementary roller 72 mounted on thedisk guiding section 71 and the conveying roller 73. As a result, whilethe 12 cm disk is being conveyed, since the force acting on the 12 cmdisk in the direction opposite to that in which it is being conveyed isreduced, it is possible to convey the disk smoothly and preventobstacles to the insertion or expulsion of the 12 cm disk.

Furthermore according to embodiment 1, since the rotation shaft 72 a ofthe supplementary roller 72 is adapted so that it is pushed in the axialdirection by the blade spring section 71 b formed on the disk guidingsection 71, the supplementary roller 72 is does not wobble and unwantednoises can be prevented.

According to embodiment 1, since the rotation shaft 72 a of thesupplementary roller 72 faces the horizontal direction, the outer face72 c of the cylindrical section 72 b of the supplementary roller 72faces the end of the disk guiding section 71 and moves into proximitywith the conveying roller 73. As a result, while the 12 cm disk is beingconveyed, only the outer edge of the 12 cm disk comes into contact withthe supplementary roller 72 and damage to the recording face of the 12cm disk by the supplementary roller 72 can be prevented.

Furthermore according to embodiment 1, a first hooked projection isformed on the top of the cam plate 81 and a second hooked projection 82c is formed on the operational lever 82 which connects with the firsthooked projection 81 k when the operational lever 82 slidingly displacesin the direction of disk expulsion and the protruding section 82 aformed on the operational lever 82 abuts with the indented section 81 iformed on the upper section of the cam plate 81 and which detaches froma position of attachment with the first hooked projection 81 k when theoperational lever 82 slidingly displaces in a direction of diskinsertion. Hence it is possible for the operational lever 81 and the camplate 82 to return to their original position and to prevent anyimpediment to the disk being expelled to the outside of the chassis 32.

Thus according to embodiment 1, as an aperture 32 f is formed in theright side plate of the chassis 32, it is easy to connect and detach thefirst hooked projection 81 k and the second hooked projection 82 c bybending the first hooked projection 81 k from positions of bothconnection and detachment of the first hooked projection 81 k formed onthe cam plate 81 and the second hooked projection 82 c formed on theoperational lever 82.

Furthermore according to embodiment 1, when the 12 cm disk is raisedfrom the turntable 52, the inner lateral face 51 a of the playing unitbase is machined and a notch 51 b is formed so that the 12 cm disk andthe playing unit base 51 come into contact on the outer edge of the 12cm disk. Thus when the disk is raised from the turntable 52 only theouter edge of the 12 cm disk contacts the playing unit base 51 and it ispossible to prevent damage to the recorded surface of the 12 cm disk.

Furthermore according to embodiment 1, since a notch 51 b is formed in atrapezoidal shape when the playing unit base is viewed from the upperside, it is possible to reduce the number of contact points between the12 cm disk and the playing unit base 51 as the contact line of the 12 cmdisk and the ridge 51 c of the notch 51 b are almost vertical when the12 cm disk is contacting with the playing unit base. Thus there are fewpoints of contact between the 12 cm disk and the playing unit base.

Embodiment 2

Embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 only in the construction of thesupplementary roller and the mounting of the supplementary roller on thedisk guiding section.

FIG. 30 shows the supplementary roller and the disk guiding section in adisk device according to a third aspect of the present invention. FIG.30 shows the construction according to FIG. 17(C) in the first aspect ofthe embodiment. In FIG. 30, 91 is a supplementary roller placed on theend of the disk guiding section 71 so that the outer face of thecylindrical shaped section is placed on the conveying roller side by theprotruding section formed on the disk guiding section 71. 91 a is arotation shaft of the supplementary roller 91 which is mounted on thedisk guiding section 71 so that it faces the end of the disk guidingsection 71 and moves into proximity with the conveying roller. In otherwords, in FIG. 30, the rotation shaft 91 a of the supplementary roller91 is mounted on the disk guiding section 71 so that x<y. 91 b is acylindrical section (rotation section) of the supplementary roller 91.91 c is an outer face of the cylindrical section 91 b.

In this disk device, the rotation shaft 91 a of the supplementary roller91 is mounted on the disk guiding section 71 so as to face the end ofthe disk guiding section 71 and move into proximity with the conveyingroller. As a result, the outer face 91 c of the cylindrical section 91 bof the supplementary roller 91 is adapted to face the end of the diskguiding section 71 and move into proximity with the conveying roller.The protruding section formed on the disk guiding section 71 is formedto face the end form the center and move towards the conveying roller.As a result, when the disk D is being conveyed, the disk D is adapted sothat only the outer edge of the disk D contacts with the supplementaryroller 91 or the protruding section formed on the disk guiding section71. As a result of this arrangement, the recording surface of the disk Dis prevented from being damaged by the supplementary roller 91 or theprotruding section formed on the disk guiding section.

As explained above, according to the second embodiment, the outer faceof the cylindrical shaped section 91 b of the supplementary roller 91 isadapted to be placed on the conveying roller 73 side by the protrudingsection 71 a formed on the disk guiding section 71. Hence duringconveying of the 12 cm disk, the disk D is tightly held by the conveyingroller 73 and the supplementary roller 79 mounted on the disk guidingsection 71. As a result, when the 12 cm disk is being conveyed, sincethe force acting on the 12 cm disk in the direction opposite to that inwhich the disk is being conveyed is reduced, it is possible to conveythe 12 cm disk smoothly and to prevent any impediment to the insertionor expulsion of the 12 cm disk.

Furthermore according to the second embodiment, the rotation shaft ofthe supplementary roller 91 is adapted to face the end of the diskguiding section 71 and move towards the conveying roller. Hence theouter face 91 c of the cylindrically shaped section 91 b of thesupplementary roller 91 faces the end of the disk guiding section 71 andmoves toward the conveying roller 73. As a result, when the 12 cm diskis being conveyed, since only the outer edge of the 12 cm disk comesinto contact with the supplementary roller 91, the recording surface ofthe 12 cm disk can be stopped by the supplementary roller 91.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As shown above, the disk device of the present invention is adapted foruse as a disk device in an automobile and is capable of inserting twodisks of different sizes.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disk device comprising: a chassis; a conveyingunit, said conveying until being mounted in the interior of the chassisand further including a conveying roller and a disk guiding sectionhaving a protruding section formed so as to move towards the conveyingroller as said disk guiding section moves to the end from the center inan approximately vertical position to the direction in which a disk isconveyed, wherein said conveying roller displaces in a direction suchthat said disk is tightly held by said disk guiding section and saidconveying roller and said disk is conveyed by the rotations of saidconveying roller while tightly held, and wherein said conveying unitfurther comprises a supplementary roller to engage a circumferentialedge of said disk, said supplementary roller having a rotation shaft anda rotation section and disposed in front of or behind said guidingsection, said rotation shaft being mounted on said disk guiding sectionso as to face the direction in which the disk is being conveyed in anapproximately vertical direction and an outer face of said rotationsection being disposed on an end of said disk guiding section so as tobe placed on said conveying roller side by said protruding section; anda second supplementary roller, wherein the supplementary roller and thesecond supplementary roller are located at opposite sides of thechassis.
 2. A disk device according to claim 1 wherein said disk guidingsection comprises a blade spring section which pressures the rotationshaft of the supplementary roller in the axial direction.
 3. A diskdevice according to claim 1 wherein said supplementary roller isdisposed so as to displace toward the conveying roller as the outer faceof the rotation section moves towards the end from the center.
 4. A diskdevice according to claim 1, wherein said rotation shaft of thesupplementary roller is generally tilted relative to the axis of theconveying roller.
 5. The disk device of claim 1, wherein said disk isselected from a group comprising disks having a plurality of widths, andwherein said supplementary roller engages a selected disk having a widthof about twelve centimeters.
 6. A disk conveying device comprising: achassis: a conveying unit mounted on the chassis, the conveying unitfurther including a conveying roller and a disk guiding sectionconfigured to move towards the conveying roller in approximately a diskconveying direction, the conveying roller configured to displace in adirection such that a disk is tightly held between the disk guidingsection and the conveying roller; a supplementary roller to engage acircumferential edge of said disk, said supplementary roller including arotation shaft and a rotation section, and disposed in front of orbehind said guiding section, the rotation shaft being mounted on thedisk guiding section so as to face the disk conveying direction, asurface of the rotation section being tapered such that a first end ofthe surface is placed farther toward the conveying roller than a secondend of the surface, the rotation section being disposed on the diskguiding section such that the rotation shaft of the supplementary rolleris generally parallel with the axis of the conveying roller; and asecond supplementary roller, wherein the supplementary roller and thesecond supplementary roller are located at opposite sides of thechassis.
 7. The disk conveying device of claim 6, wherein said disk isselected from a group comprising disks having a plurality of widths, andwherein said supplementary roller engages a selected disk having a widthof about twelve centimeters.
 8. A method for conveying a disk in a diskconveying device comprising: placing a disk in proximity with aconveying roller and a disk guiding section configured to move towardsthe conveying roller in approximately a disk conveying direction, theconveying roller configured to displace in a direction such that thedisk is tightly held between the disk guiding section and the conveyingroller; and placing the disk in proximity with a supplementary rollerincluding a rotation shaft and a rotation section, and disposed in frontof or behind said guiding section, such that a circumferential edge ofsaid disk engages said supplementary roller, the rotation shaft beingmounted on the disk guiding section so as to face the disk conveyingdirection, a surface of the rotation section being tapered such that afirst end of the surface is placed farther toward the conveying rollerthan a second end of the surface, the rotation section being disposed onthe disk guiding section such that the rotation shaft of thesupplementary roller is generally parallel with the axis of theconveying roller; and wherein a second supplementary roller is providedand wherein the second supplementary roller and the supplementary rollerare located at opposite sides of a chassis.
 9. The method of claim 8,further comprising determining a width of said disk to be about twelvecentimeters.